The Rocket seems to have won his battles with drink, drugs and depression. Here he speaks out about Hearn's masterplan, his bid for a fourth world title and the fact his dad must watch him on TV from prison. Hector Nunns speaks to Ronnie O'Sullivan

John Higgins crashed out of the Masters last night as Northern Ireland's Mark Allen beat him 6-3 at Wembley. The world No 4 won the first frame but Allen replied with three in a row before the three-times world champion took a tactical fifth.

Jimmy White could not make the most of his wild card in the Masters as he slipped to a disappointing 6-2 first-round defeat last night at the hands of Mark King on a day of one-sided encounters at Wembley.

John Higgins joined The Crucible greats last night as he completed an 18-9 world championship victory over Shaun Murphy to win a third title and join the illustrious trio who have won more than two at this venue. Success for the 33-year-old Scot brings a winner's cheque of £250,000.